This week, I'm going to preview the position needs for the Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. The following is the fourth part of a very special ho-hum five-part series. Each position will be given a draft likelihood — strong, average and low.

Likelihood: Strong

What's there: After trading for end Corey Williams, the team is set amongst its starters. The problem is the backups. Starter Robaire Smith is currently backed up by either Melila Purcell, Chase Pittman or Andrew Hoffman. Running a 3-4 defense requires good backups along the defensive line to give the starters a break. Relying on Purcell, Pittman or Hoffman could be problematic.

Position strength in draft: Because few teams in college run a 3-4, finding defensive ends to fit can be difficult. That means the pickings are slim.

Who to target: Kendall Langford (Hampton), Frank Okam (Texas), Andre Fluellen (Florida State), Keillan Dykes (West Virginia), Chris Norwell (Illinois), George Chukwu (Rice), Barry Booker (Virginia Tech)

Final thoughts: Oddly, the team has not shown a lot of interest in this position during the offseason. I still think this is likely the make-or-break position of the Browns draft this year, though. With luck, either Langford, Okam, Fluellen or Dykes are there in the fourth round. If they're not, they could grab Norwell, Chukwu or Booker as developmental players in the sixth or seventh rounds. Because they may really need a backup end, that may be where the team goes in the fourth round.

The pick: Because the strength of the cornerback position in this year's draft, this is where I expect the Browns to go in the fourth round. That way they can take the best available 3-4 end in the fourth and best available cornerback in the fifth.

At this point, it seems a little unlikely Langford or Okam will be there. Fluellen has been inconsistent, so he may not be a player head coach Romeo Crennel would like. That leaves Dykes who at times played exceptionally as a senior. Dykes also played some 3-4 at West Virginia, which is a bonus. So he'd be a solid pick.

The developmental kind of players that will be there in the sixth and seventh rounds are what the Browns don't need right now.

Brady Quinn wrote a plan for surviving the draft. Sadly, unless you're a top college player about to be drafted, it's pretty much worthless.

Luckily, I am here for you. Here is my quick guide for surviving draft weekend:

(more…)

This week, I'm going to preview the position needs for the Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. The following is the third part of a very special late-running five-part series. Each position will be given a draft likelihood — strong, average and low.

Likelihood: Strong

What's there: Except for Kamerion Wimbley, the position is a little dicey. Willie McGinest and Antwan Peek are still there, and Shantee Orr was brought in via free agency. None of those three will strike fear in opposing offenses and are probably best-served as backups.

Position strength in draft: For a 3-4 team, the strength at linebacker is only average. There is quality at the top of the position, but it likely won't be there when the Browns draft. That means general manager Phil Savage will take a risk on a player who can develop.

Who to target: Shawn Crable (Michigan), Stanford Keglar (Purdue), Curtis Johnson (Clark-Atlanta), Bryan Kehl (Brigham Young), Bruce Davis (UCLA), Darrell Robertson (Georgia Tech)

Final thoughts: The Browns have worked out each of those players outside of Davis and Robertson. Even if they take an outside guy in the fourth round, it's unlikely Crable will be there. If he is, they snag him. Keglar is solid player, but incredibly similar in style to Orr and Peek. They're just not playmakers. I've honestly never seen Johnson, but he has the measurables (6'3, 242, 4.63 40-yard dash). Kehl I like a lot, but he might not be a 3-4 guy.

In college, Davis and Robertson were both undersized defensive ends. How they transition to outside linebacker is unknown. Some (re: Luke), think Davis can't bulk up and play outside. I kind of disagree. For the scoop on Robertson, check out his scouting report. Basically, it says he's perfect for a 3-4, but is likely a third-round player.

The pick: Because Robertson may be one, I'm going with Davis, as long as it's the fifth round. McGinest can still hold up against the run, so Davis could be broken in purely as a pass rusher.

This week, I'm going to preview the position needs for the Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. The following is the second part of a very special bland five-part series. Each position will be given a draft likelihood — strong, average and low.

Likelihood: Low

What's there: Everyone knows how many miles are on the tires of starter Jamal Lewis. He hasn't bought a new car in a year! Ha! Take that sports cliche! Sorry. Anyway, it's been hinted that Lewis could retire after his current contract runs out. If he does, that leaves the Browns with Jerome Harrison and Jason Wright. Neither is clearly a starter.

Position strength in draft: With a bevy of early entrants in the draft this year, a lot of good running backs will be pushed into the second day of the draft. This year would be as good of a year as any to take a quality developmental player.

Who to target: Cory Boyd (South Carolina), Steve Slaton (West Virginia), Chauncey Washington (USC), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Ole Miss), Ryan Torain (Arizona State)

Final thoughts: The Browns have brought Boyd and Slaton in for workouts, but not the other three. As it has been mentioned on this blog previously, the team already has a Slaton-like player in Harrison. With the assumption that Cleveland would look for a running back in the fifth or sixth round, that likely means Slaton won't be there regardless. Boyd may not, either.

Boyd, Washington, Green-Ellis and Torain all possess good strength when they run the ball, which is necessary to make it in the AFC North. Although he looked good as a senior, Washington has a huge list of injuries, which may scare the Browns off.

Both Green-Ellis and Torain are both unspectacular, but have solid quickness and can move between the tackles.

The pick: Most draftniks, seem to think the Browns are going to draft a running back this year. I don't know if that will be the case. If they do, hopefully it will be either Green-Ellis or Torain in the sixth round.

For the sake of being official about it, I'll say the Browns go with Green-Ellis.

That is the question many are asking as the NFL Draft approaches. Reader Josh left a comment that general manager Phil Savage will draft a Pro Bowl player this year, even though the team doesn't have a pick in the first three rounds.

If that ends up being the case, it will change what is becoming a trend for Savage. After the jumps are his picks past the third round the last three years and some thoughts:

(more…)

This week, I'm going to preview the position needs for the Browns in the upcoming NFL Draft. The following is the first part of a very special ordinary five-part series. Each position will be given a likelihood — strong, average and low.

Likelihood: Strong

What's there: After trading Leigh Bodden to Detroit, the Browns will choose from Daven Holly, Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald for the two starting spots. Outside of Wright, who played well last season, this could be a shaky unit. Players like Kenny Wright and A.J. Davis are only backups and Gary Baxter is too big of an unknown to rely on.

Position strength in draft: Even though it's possible about 15 cornerbacks will be off the board by the time the Browns pick at No. 122, there are still some quality players left.

Who to target: Zackary Bowman (Nebraska), Charles Godfrey (Iowa), Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky), Tyvon Branch (Connecticut) Patrick Lee (Auburn).

Final thoughts:To my knowledge, the Browns have worked out all of those players with the exception of Lee.

Bowman has had an up-and-down career filled with injuries, so I don't think he'd be a sound choice because the team really needs to hit on a cornerback.

Godfrey is a big, physical cornerback who can be a little reckless because he likes to hit.

Molden is an unknown. Read his scouting report here. Some have considered Molden a possible second-round pick, so he'll probably be gone. Phil Savage supposedly likes him a lot, so if he's there in the early part of round four, the Browns could pounce.

Branch is big and fast (5'11, 204 pounds, 4.31 40-yard dash). However, his athleticism is somewhat lacking and he doesn't get many interceptions.

Lee was a one-year wonder for Auburn. He played really well as a senior and is really physical (which is needed given Eric Wright's lack of pop against the run). He's not as fast as the others listed, though.

The pick: Godfrey. He's everything the Browns could need in a corner and could start as a rookie. Read more about Godfrey after the jump.

(more…)

As the NFL Draft approaches, the biggest question is about which players the Browns are showing an interest in. After the jump, there is a list I've been putting together of players the Browns have brought in for private workouts or brought into Cleveland.

NFL teams are allotted 30 private workouts. That means I don't have everyone the team has looked at. Also, players who either played college or high school football in the Browns' region don't count toward the 30 and are in italics. There is no limit, to my knowledge, on the visitations.

(more…)

Sorry about the poor play on words there. Anyway, the Browns are getting loads of press for scoring five prime-time games next season.

Don Banks of Sports Illustrated says the Browns are "a young, exciting team on the rise that bears watching."

Patrick McManamon of the Beacon Journal writes that the Browns are new residents in the land of expectation.

Rick Herrin of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram writes that the Browns have the premier game of the week twice this season.

Jeff Schudel of the Morning Journal breaks down the schedule.

Mike Zimmer of the Bleacher Report wonders how the Browns crashed prime time.

Steve Doerschuck of the Canton Repository mentions that the Browns have had just eight national television appearance in the last nine years.

Most importantly, here's what head coach Romeo Crennel had to say about the schedule:

Its always an exciting time of year when the league announces the regular-season schedule. Our schedule presents us with many challenges against a number of talented teams. However, we will continue to work hard throughout the offseason to prepare for the 2008 season.

Today, we are excited for our fans, the city of Cleveland and the Browns organization that we will have to the opportunity to be showcased in front of a national audience on several occasions.

Here is the 2008 Cleveland Browns schedule with some quick, disjointed thoughts. Akron Beacon Journal columnist Patrick McManamon has some additional thoughts here.

• Sun., Sept. 7, Dallas Cowboys, 4:15 p.m. (FOX)
Last game: The Browns got handled 19-12 on the road in 2004. Offensively, this is one of the worst game in the last decade. Jeff Garcia was just 8 for 27 for 71 yards and three interceptions. Ick. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Tough way to start out the season, but at least it's at home. The Cowboys are as good of a team as there is in the league. Cleveland needs to split its games with Dallas and Philadelphia.
Prediction: Loss

• Sun., Sept. 14, Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. (NBC)
Last game: The Steelers visited Cleveland in the season opener last year and won 34-7. It was trouncing, but the Browns were still gelling as a team. See the box score here.
Thoughts: You better believe Cleveland is looking to beat the Steelers after going 0-2 against them last year. What better way to do it than on national television?
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Sept. 21, at Baltimore Ravens, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Browns won 33-30 in overtime. The game showed off kicker Phil Dawson's leg as he connected on four field goals. The overtime kick had to be reviewed after bouncing off the cross beam on the back of the goal post. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Baltimore just seems to be getting worse and old, a bad combination.
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Sept. 28, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: The Bengals won 19-14 and basically killed the Browns' chance to make the playoffs. As good as Anderson played in the first game of the year against Cincinnati, he was bad in this one throwing four interceptions. See the box score here.
Thoughts: This could be a tough one. It's on the road and the Bengals always play Cleveland tough. Regardless, this will be a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Loss (but a close one)

• Sun., Oct. 5, Bye week

• Mon., Oct. 13, New York Giants, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Last game: In 2004, the Browns lost to the Giants 27-10 IN New York. Cleveland's offensive leaders that day were Jeff Garcia, William Green and Dennis Northcuttt. Mercifully, they are all no longer on the team. See the box score here.
Thoughts: A prime time game against the defending Super Bowl winners following a bye week. Someone in the NFL office thinks highly of the Browns. This one is kind of a toss up.
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Oct. 19, at Washington Redskins, 4:15 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: At home, the Browns won 17-13 in 2004. Running back Lee Suggs flashed brilliance running for 82 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, 2004 was the only season Suggs was a real factor for the team. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Washington isn't very good. The Browns should be. (Pretty good analysis, eh?)
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: In 2005, Jacksonville came to Cleveland and won 20-14. Charlie Frye played well in this game, throwing two touchdowns. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Even though Jacksonville shouldn't be quite as good on defense, they're one of the favorites in the AFC. This will really test Cleveland's run defense.
Prediction: Loss

• Sun., Nov. 2, Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: Cleveland was lucky to pull out an ugly 27-13 game. Baltimore had 14 more first downs than the Browns and looked sharp most of the game. The Browns won, in large part, due to the play of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. They combined for nine catches, 193 yards and a touchdown. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Baltimore is still awful. Unless the Ravens do something drastic with their secondary, this should be a huge game for Derek Anderson
Prediction: Win

• Thur., Nov. 6, Denver Broncos, 8:15 p.m. (NFL Network)
Last game: In 2006, the Broncos came to Cleveland and won 17-7. This is one of those games that really epitomized Cleveland's futility that season. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Denver isn't as good as most people think. Their defense is a mess and quarterback Jay Cutler is overrated big time.
Prediction: Win

• Mon., Nov. 17, at Buffalo Bills, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Last game: This was the most entertaining game of last season when the Browns won at home 8-0. This was the Blizzard Bowl where Phil Dawson hit two incredibly difficult field goals in the driving snow. See the box score here.
Thoughts: This game is going to be intense. Buffalo is a solid up-and-coming team that will be looking for revenge.
Prediction: Loss (hey, the Browns won't win every "winnable" game)

• Sun., Nov. 23, Houston Texans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: The Browns beat the Texans 27-17 at home last season. This was when the team was really in stride, especially on the offense. See the box score here.
Thoughts: This kind of the same deal as the Buffalo analysis. Hence, the Browns should split these two games.
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Nov. 30, Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: In Indianapolis in 2005, the Colts won 13-6. This was one of the Browns' best defensive efforts the last few years holding Peyton Manning to 228 yards and no touchdowns. See the box score here.
Thoughts: If cornerbacks Eric Wright, Daven Holly and Brandon McDonald are playing well, this could be one of the best games of the season in the entire NFL. Someone hook me up with a ticket to this one, please. Thanks!
Prediction: Loss

• Sun., Dec. 7, at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: At home in 2005, the Browns beat the Titans 20-14. This was probably the high point of running back Reuben Droughns' Browns career. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Tennessee could be the worst team in the league.
Prediction: Win

• Mon., Dec. 15, at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Last game: The 2004 season was a real bummer. An exciting game was something to take pride in. That was the case here as the Eagles came to Cleveland and won 34-31. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Playing in Philadelphia in the cold is going to be difficult. Luckily for the Browns, Philadelphia seems to be on its way out as a dominant team in the NFC
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Dec. 21, Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: This early season game was a high-scoring contest with the Browns winning 51-45. This game really solidified Derek Anderson as the quarterback for the rest of the season as he threw five touchdown passes, two each going to Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurvicius. Eat it, Chad Johnson. See the box score here.
Thoughts: No way the Browns lose twice in the year to Cincinnati, no matter how intense the rivalry.
Prediction: Win

• Sun., Dec. 28, at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Last game: Cleveland went 0-2 against Pittsburgh last season, losing the away game 31-28. Cleveland led by 12 at halftime but didn't get a first down until the last drive of the game. Kicker Phil Dawson missed a possible game-tying field goal with 11 second remaining. This one hurt. See the box score here.
Thoughts: Tough way to close out the season. Both teams will likely be either challenging for the division title or a playoff spot.
Prediction: Loss (Hidden plus: You'll probably be so drunk three days from now you'll forget this game completely)

There you have it, another 10-6 season for Cleveland. This time, though, they make the playoffs.

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe wrote in his notes that the Browns could be simplifying their defense. Read the full article here.

The Browns added considerable bulk in the form of defensive linemen Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams this offseason, but they're trimming down in other areas. Coach Romeo Crennel is considering simplifying the defense as the club transitions to a new coordinator in Mel Tucker. The Browns gave up more first downs than every team but the Lions and were one of the league's worst units against the run. Crennel apparently thinks it might have been a result of players being overloaded, so look for the Browns to get back to basics.

Unless this is about simplifying thing for the group of young defensive backs, I'm not sure this is a wise decision with the addition of veterans on the line. In theory, they should be able to handle whatever Crennel and Tucker throw at them.